Overview & Reviews

For most of the past four decades, the Chevrolet Camaro has been the poster car of young (and not so young) speed freaks and boulevardiers alike. You know, the type of folks who value the rumble and thrust of a small-block V8 and sleek styling as much as would-be Hollywood starlets value a photo op.

Starting out in the late 1960s as an answer to Ford's Mustang, the original Chevrolet Camaro could be had in coupe or convertible form and with six-cylinder or V8 power. Forty years and five generations later, the concept really hasn't changed, as the current Chevrolet Camaro also can be had in coupe or convertible form with six-cylinder or V8 power. It even looks similar and carries the classic Camaro qualities of tire-spinning performance and a reasonable base price. But this is a thoroughly modern car that makes for a decent everyday driver, despite some significant practical drawbacks.

Current Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is available as a two-door coupe or convertible and in five trim levels: base LS, midgrade LT, high-performance SS and hyper-performance ZL1 and Z/28. The LS comes standard with niceties like alloy wheels and air-conditioning, to which the LT adds power seats and a touchscreen with smartphone integration. The V8-powered SS includes a limited-slip differential and a sport-tuned suspension. The ZL1 boasts a variety of performance parts like Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension dampers, plus standard leather upholstery and Boston Acoustics audio. The hard-core, coupe-only Z/28, on the other hand, has a race-ready suspension and modifications for reduced weight.

The Camaro LS and LT pack a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 323 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with the V6, and a six-speed automatic is available. The Camaro SS is equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter V8 matched to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual-gearbox SS cranks out 426 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, with the automatic version tuned to "just" 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Offering the same transmission choices, the Camaro ZL1 gets a supercharged version of the 6.2-liter V8 good for 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque. The Z/28, which is 300 pounds lighter than the ZL1, employs a 505-hp 7.0-liter V8 and comes only with the six-speed manual.

On the road, any of these Camaros will provide brisk performance, a reasonably compliant ride (though the Z/28 is significantly firmer) and respectable handling, while the V8-powered versions should satisfy the most ardent acceleration addicts. The ZL1 and especially the Z/28 are astoundingly capable on a racetrack with their special suspensions. However, in day-to-day driving, the poor outward visibility, mediocre cabin trim, cramped backseat and tiny, oddly shaped trunk opening could be deal-breakers. As such, we'd advise potential buyers to also consider the Camaro's equally classic competitors, the Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang.

Used Chevrolet Camaro Models
After a seven-year hiatus, the Camaro returned for 2010. In that first year, the Camaro was offered as a coupe only, and the V6 engine produced 304 hp. The next year saw the convertible's introduction and a bump up to 312 horses for the V6. It reached its current output for 2012, which also saw the introduction of the ZL1 and a number of noteworthy changes to the cabin. Camaros produced prior to this suffered from an oddly shaped steering wheel and gauges that were hard to read. For 2014 the Camaro introduced revised styling (including one-piece taillights that replaced the original double-rectangle design) and the debut of the Z/28.

Running from 1993-2002, the previous Camaro generation continued the age-old tradition of performance and style above all else. Initially just a coupe body style was offered in base and Z28 trims, the former coming with a 3.4-liter V6 (160 hp) and the latter with an LT1 5.7-liter V8 (275 hp). Transmission choices included a five-speed manual (V6), a six-speed manual (V8) and a four-speed automatic.

The following year saw the return of the ragtop, while 1995 brought a 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6 for the base Camaro. For 1996 the Z28 had 285 hp and the SS trim was reincarnated, complete with a 305-hp version of the 5.7-liter V8. A midcycle refresh took place for 1998 with a new front-end look and powerful new LS1 5.7 V8s for the Z28 (305 hp) and SS (320 hp). Apart from minor trim differences and a bump in power for the Z28 in 2001 to 310 hp, the Camaro soldiered through 2002 mostly unchanged. That last year also marked the Camaro's 35th birthday, which was celebrated with a 35th-anniversary SS.

Although fast, stylish and affordable, this Chevy Camaro was lacking in terms of refinement, particularly in regards to the interior. The clunky steering wheel design was about as sporty as a taxicab's and there was an abundance of low-grade plastic trim. Furthermore, the seats were rather plain and short on lumbar and lateral support. On the upside were the large gauges, decent cargo capacity and buttoned-down handling (though midcorner bumps could upset the solid rear axle suspended out back).

Consumer feedback is mostly favorable toward Camaros from this era. Praises center on the strong performance (even with the V6) for the money, relatively good fuel economy, mechanical reliability, cargo capacity, handling and styling. Chief complaints concern cheap interior construction, a smallish interior considering the body size and occasionally leaky T-tops.

For more information on these and even older Chevrolet Camaros, go to our Chevrolet Camaro history page.

User Reviews:

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  My 2000 Z28 - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Bill Cook - February 24 - 7:24 pm

  For 10 Years Ive always wanted a Camaro and in 2003 I finaly bought a used 2000 Z28 with 34,000. This car is an absolute fun to drive, very comfortable, sporty and fast. Im a car guy 100% and this car is a pleasure to drive. But the build quality is, and Im very sorry to say, is poor. The transmission went for no apparent reason and Ive had incredible problems with the differential. The drivers seat wears out every 2 years and the V8 engine makes a lot of lifter noise when cold (cheap Chevy engine). Ive had to replace the cat converters every 20K miles- thankfully still under warranty. Regardless I love the car. Fuel milege is a dependable/constant 17/25.

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  Old vs New - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Joe Patton - February 15 - 5:10 pm

  As a child of the 60s and a driver of most GM muscle I can state "the sheer force felt behind the wheel of my 2SS is like nothing Ive experienced before".....totally awesome. I can confirm the blind spots but have little else negativity about this car. The gears are so strong I cant always be certain what gear Im in and looking down doesnt solve my problem......the performance reminds me of a 1968 Olds 442 with a 3.90 rear axle I once had; only much more sophisticated. As to trunk entrance and interior/inferior, this car is for screeching starts and rushes of testosterone and has nothing to do with the golf course or fancy materials. Start it up and listen....retro all the way.

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  Best 1991 RS Camaro Ever - 1991 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Arctic White 91 RS - February 12 - 8:19 am

  The RS is fun to drive. Has F41 suspension upgrade. Nimble and agile for a V8 car from the late 80s early 90s. Mine been super reliable. This car has been thru everything. Purchased the car new in May of 1990. Daily driver for 19 years. 308,500 miles. Original engine & tranny - no issues with either. Basic maintenance stuff, several alternators, one fuel pump, one water pump, one distributor. Brake pads, oil changes and thats about it. If you can find a well cared for one, the 305 TBI V8 cars make wonderful beater/daily drivers.

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  LOVE THIS CAR !! - 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
  By queenbee - February 2 - 1:10 pm

  Well driving this car is a blast! I get looks and looks no matter where I go people have followed me just to see it Ive had construction men wave me down to stop just to ask me what it was since I was the first in town to own one ~!

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  a huge step up from my Shelby GT 500! - 2018 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Steven Hassig - January 25 - 5:58 am

  This car has dramatically reset the bar for American muscle cars. The improvement in refinement and livability are truly amazing. i am very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend it to anyone aiming at near supercar performance.

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  This is a fantastic car! - 2000 Chevrolet Camaro
  By McEllinater - January 23 - 8:28 am

  I drive a mystic blue 2000 z28 Camaro V6. The best part of my day is driving this car. It is a lot of fun to drive, even in long distances. It keeps friends, family, co-workers all in awe. Its got lots of pickup even for a V6 and the thing is a tank. The car makes you feel powerful as you cruise down the road. The only thing I really dont like about it is that it cannot handle in harsh winters, but it is a fantastic summer car. Overall this car symbolizes style, speed, strength, and respect.

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  Great fun car - 2001 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Robby D - January 20 - 10:40 pm

  Bought this car in June of 2006. Has the base 3.8 features including no power windows or locks but has the ttops and the awesome monsoon stereo. Such a fun car to drive tho and always get compliments on it. Rear wheel drive is a ton of fun too but its a bit difficult to drive in the snow. Love the styling of this gen Camaro. Fuel economy isnt great but not terrible. Very reliable for me as I have yet to have something major breakdown. This car loves to hug the road at high speeds and on big curves. Driving with the windows down and ttops off, its just an amazing car to cruise in. With the rear seats folded down you can fit quite a fair amount of cargo in the car if needed. Awesome car!

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  Problematic - 1999 Chevrolet Camaro
  By JONJON - January 12 - 2:21 am

  Has gone through two manual transmissions, radiator replaced, rear end bearings went out, druveshaft couplings relaced, PCM replaced(water damage, bad design under window sill where water runs right onto it). Seats stink, absolutely the worst design for neck support. Rear seat is worthless. Very noisy car. I wear ear plugs its so loud. Driving lights are useless. Positive side, fast and handles well. Very bad car to drive in winter, no traction control on mine at least. Recommend a second car, this being only used for summer or dry conditions.

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  Nothing better - 1994 Chevrolet Camaro
  By Green Bean - January 6 - 8:25 pm

  I bought this car in 2005 with 67,000 miles on her. Now in 2009 I have 152,000. This is my favorite car ever. Would not trade her for anything except a Z28. It handles amazing and cant complain too much about the power since it is a v6. Its had its fair share of small little problems needing to be replaced like ball joints, tie rods, and other small things. But this is all to blame on how I drive her. Great car for anyone.

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  Life expectancy? - 1993 Chevrolet Camaro
  By CN - December 31 - 12:25 am

  I recently purchased 2door coupe from dealer. For the price and high mileage I consider the book value is on cue. However after a brief vehicle check I found to be the 11th owner. It tells me that 10 other people used this particular car for one year and put about the nominal 12 to 13000 miles on it. If it is such a nice car why did so many trade it in like a bad check? Anyhow it still needs work like the heat to be looked at. To my understanding the thermostat tends to be a major problem in this style of chevy. Perhaps this is a common thing if so then perhaps Cheverolet should have put a more proper stat to suit such a large sport engine.